Noted scientist Evander Holyfield told a housemate on “UK Celebrity Big Brother” that being gay is like being handicapped and can be fixed by a doctor.

Apparently, someone doesn't watch “Duck Dynasty.”

According to TMZ, the show's producers immediately scolded Holyfield — apparently they don't watch “Duck Dynasty” either — in a private room. The website said those same producers called Holyfield's comments “inappropriate” because they “aren't the views that are held by a large section of society.”

I imagine somebody's email inbox has exploded by now.

Holyfield reportedly made the comments Sunday — during his first week on the show — when reality star Luisa Zissman asked him if there were any gay boxers.

Holyfield — said to be a deeply religious Christian — cited the bible, saying homosexuality isn't a choice, but rather something like a “handicap” that can be fixed.

Here's where I don't point out that we're seriously listening to a guy who used to get hit in the head for a living.

TMZ said Zissman respectfully disagreed with Holyfield and the pair were moving on when Holyfield was taken to a private room and scolded for expressing his beliefs. Right — someone decided to scold a guy who beat up Mike Tyson. The former heavyweight champ reportedly said he understood his comments could be considered offensive, but he didn't apologize.

Advertisement

“Big Brother” has a long history of cast members igniting controversy with remarks regarding minorities, gays, even the mentally handicapped.

Welcome to your discussion forum: Click the login link below to sign in with or to set up a Disqus account or to access your social networking account. When you do, your comment should be posted immediately, provided it meets the guidelines. (What are the guidelines?.) Report abuse by flagging a comment (mouse over the comment). Comments made here are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; these comments do not reflect the opinion of The Berkshire Eagle. So keep it civil.

NEW YORK (AP) — Viewers said farewell to Amy Poehler and the gang of Pawnee, Indiana, bureaucrats on NBC's "Parks and Recreation," in a finale that made more of a dent online than on television. Full Story